The DT Big Board (Part II)

Time to get my Jay Bilas back on. I plan on using “upside,” “motor,” “length” and “potential” as many times as possible in these next 3,000 words. So prepare yourself.

Tier 3: Pick 26, or maybe 32

16. Tibor Pleiss – 7’0, 220, C, Germany – video highlights
I like the idea very much of taking an international big with the 26th or 32nd overall pick. Presti has had success stashing away prospects in Europe to save money and also let them potentially mature into a contributor. Finding that solid European big is never, ever easy, but Pleiss definitely has the credentials. He has the size as well as the necessary talent to potentially evolve into a legit NBA big man. Pleiss isn’t a defensive stopper or shot blocker, but that’s mainly due to his lack of strength. He has the potential to be a fantastic offensive big man with his feathery touch, ability to step out to 15 feet and beyond and an improving post game. Leave him in Europe to season a bit and you might have a diamond in the rough.

17. Craig Brackins – 6’10, 230, PF, Iowa State – video highlights
For whatever reason, Brackins’ name has popped up a bunch with the Thunder. I don’t see how he fits all that much, seeing as he’s a three trying to disguise himself as a four. But he’s got a great offensive game and with a little weight on his frame, he could be an excellent offensive player. He’s super long at 6’10 and has a natural offensive game that stretches beyond the 3-point line. His main issue will be defending opposing power forwards and rebounding in the paint in traffic. But he could potentially be a role player next year to add depth. His stock was higher last year, but he’s could still be a pretty good value pick at 26 or 32.

18. Jordan Crawford – 6’4, 195, SG, Xavier- video highlights
Crawford lit the world on fire in the NCAA tournament in one of the all-time great games. He scored from everywhere, including from very, very deep. He’s a scorer first, scorer second and shooter third. He’s an offensive player that loves to penetrate, but he gets out of control a little too much. He forces his own shot at times, but when he gets going, he’s a threat to really light up the world. He reminds me a bit of what Marcus Thornton was last year with the Hornets. Give him the minutes and he’ll score. But that means you might have to live with him stealing some shots from your money-makers. Rein him in a bit and get him to buy into a philosophy and you could have a terrific instant offense bench player.

19. Trevor Booker – 6’7, 215, PF, Clemson – video highlights
For whatever reason, I like Booker a lot. He’s a huge motor player that does more with hustle than he does with talent. He’s DeJuan Blair with two functioning ACLs to me. He’s a non-stop monster on the glass, has a mean streak to him and is a pretty good athlete. He has 3-point range, though he’s not a good shooter. He’ll score mostly on putbacks and low post setups, but if you want a guy to get in and really rough things up for 10 minutes a night, Booker might be perfect. I think he’s a great fit for OKC and if he could find his way to No. 32 or even 51, I’d be pretty pumped.

20. Gani Lawal – 6’8, 235, PF, Georgia Tech – video highlights
A lot of people liked OKC taking Lawal with its second first round pick last season. But Lawal went back for another year and didn’t really help himself all that much. His offensive game is raw, he doesn’t have range outside of the paint and was one of those “disappear randomly” guys. But he’s gifted around the basket, has good hands and could turn into a good interior defender. His ceiling may be coming down, but he could certainly be a useful big on the back end of a rotation.

21. Jerome Jordan – 7’0, 235, C, Tulsa – video highlights
Some thought Jordan might be able to play himself into the lottery this year with a good season in Tulsa. He was solid, but still showed a lot of holes in his game, especially on the offensive end. He needs strength, he needs refinement and he needs time to develop. But he’s got great size and some skill. Players like Jordan almost always never pan out (as do most these guys), but when they do, you can hit a home run.

Tier 4: Late second round

22. Ryan Richards – 6’10, 225, PF/C, England – video highlights
Another international big. Bear in mind I’ve seen very little of these players when compared to how much I’ve seen of the college guys. But through mix tapes and some Saturday Euroleague games, I’ve got a sense of their capabilities. And Richards is a guy that impressed a bit at the NBA Combine. For a 19-year-old he’s well-developed in terms of strength and has even more room to grow there. He’s not the most natural player though. He looks a little awkward and that’s not just because he’s left-handed. He’d not overly athletic though he’s physical and will rebound. He’s pretty much on the other spectrum of the big man world than Pleiss and probably doesn’t have as much upside, but if he drops into the later second, he could be a fit.

23. Jarvis Varnado – 6’9, 210, PF, Mississippi State – video highlights
He’s a basically Hassan Whiteside lite, without the mental issues. No offense, but a terrific shot blocking talent. He’s skinny and I don’t know how much upside there is on the offensive end. But man, he can block shots.

24. Dexter Pittman – 6’10, 310, C, Texas – video highlights
Pittman was a BIG underachiever (pun sorta intended) at Texas. He has some unique gifts and decent athleticism for his size. He lost a ton of weight and actually had a pretty good physique for his senior year. At times, he looked like one of the best big men in the country. But as mediocre players are prone to do, he’d also disappear, get in foul trouble and toss up a major stinker in a big game. He’s also a question to put on 50 pounds in an offseason. But he’s a big, big man. He’s tough to move off the block, has good hands and finishes well. He’s the kind of guy that you can maybe stuff on the block for 10 minutes a night to push around on Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol. Maybe.

25. Brian Zoubek – 7’1, 250, C, Duke – video highlights
If you need an example of how coveted big men are, just look to Zoubek. He basically did nothing in four years at Duke, had a decent senior campaign but played a solid Final Four. And he went from nobody to a potential second round steal in the minds of some. Obviously you love the size, but there has to be something to the fact he only averaged 5.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg. A guy his size should be a double-double candidate for sure. He lumbers, isn’t quick and might have difficult with athletic centers. But if you want someone to lean on Pau Gasol, grab a few rebounds and stand tall in the post, he could work.

26. Latavious Williams – 6’8, 190, PF, Tulsa 66ers – video highlights
Williams made history going straight to the D-League last year. It was up and down for him, but in the end, he definitely got better. He had some big games (a few 17 and 18 rebound games) and showed flashes of serious skill. He needs muscle and needs some coaching and would likely spend next season in Tulsa again, but if he’s there at 51, I’d be happy with him.

27. Andy Rautins – 6’5, 190, SG, Syracuse – video highlights
I know most don’t even have Rautins getting draft and my infatuation with him is probably very stupid, but for whatever reason he seems like a great sleeper-shooter-pick. Rautins is an excellent shooter. He’s got some size and some length. Two things hurt him: He played in Syracuse’s 2-3 zone so we have no idea what kind of defender he is and along those same lines, who/what can he defend? He’s caught a little between point guard and shooting guard and doesn’t really fit in either category. But he’s a solid passer (4.9 apg his senior year) and a dead-eye shooter. He’s best coming off screens and has a great off-balance release. The Thunder need a guy to hit something from the outside and really just serve as a specialist. I think Rautins could be that guy. But he could also very well be a five-time All-Star for Barcelona. Guys like him don’t always work out. Kyle Korver has. Steve Novak really hasn’t. Rautins is somewhere in between that.

28. Manny Harris, 6’5, 190, SG, Michigan – video highlights
I know. Why not Willie Warren? Look, I’m an OU fan and Warren is a lottery talent. And I don’t think he was even the problem on last year’s Sooner team. But I just want to avoid that entirely. Warren might work as an offensive bench player, but Harris was statically better, more of a team guy, doesn’t need the ball in his hands and probably a better shooter. Warren thinks he’s really, really good and might have trouble truly fitting into the team concept. Harris probably would do better at that. He scores especially well in transition and loves to slash, pass and create. If OKC is still looking for a shooter/extra scorer in the late second, Harris is a good option.

29. Derrick Caracter – 6’9, 265, PF, UTEP – video highlights
Caracter has major character issues (hahahahaha, but seriously though, he does), which is what’s likely keeping him from the late first round to early second round. He’s a beast that’s built like a tank. He reminds me of Joey Dorsey, but with more offensive game than just bulldozing in the lane to the rim. OKC doesn’t really ever go after someone with issues but maybe a good locker room environment can change him. Not likely, but maybe.

30. Jon Scheyer – 6’6, 195, PG/SG, Duke – video highlights
Did you know Scheyer was 6′6? I didn’t. I thought he was more like 6′4. But he’s a guy that can shoot, can handle and get even get to the rim. He could run point or play off the ball. Obviously again, like Rautins, you wonder if he could defend Kobe Bryant, but as for a marksman with other abilities, Scheyer could fit.

The second part of my comments were semi-detached or independent from Vasquez, Hobson. But maybe forcing me to think a bit more about taking on more guys like this.

I agree they are good names to consider quite seriously, especially at 32 or below. To take at #26 I'd think would be saying you really like them. But they strike me as good candidates to become 2nd round surprise performers, who might have deserved to go in the 1st round.

I don't see Vasquez or Hobson as long term solutions in any position, but simply versatile bench warmer who can spot minutes in any position we need (other than PF or C). I feel that is what Brooks was trying to do with Livingston. If you recall, earlier in this year Shaun was playing a lot of SF.

I like the fact that either Vasquez or Hobson can offer bench scoring. They don't seem to be the perimeter threats that we really need, but I feel they can help scoring in general.

And I should add "or other big PGs if they can actually handle their counterpart matchup or win it with offense or defense or both". But with the handchecking rule and the speed PGs around, this is tougher to do successfully these days than the past.

Vasquez might be as big as most would to go at PG these days.

Weaver got a brief look but I don't know if he'll get another at PG.

Thabo might be able to take some cross-matches if there are problems and make a big PG strategy somewhat more acceptable but it may divert too much effort. More assists and 3 point shooting from the wings would be fine contributions.

Vasquez has interested me a fair amount for over a year.While he could play SF in small ball for a few minutes he is mainly a PG / SG.

I like what I read about Hobson as well but he mainly a SG / SF. His assists are more a product of the New Mexico offensive plan and the college game. NBA PG? I'm also looking for Magic Johnson or Nate McMillan but it is more likely he could be a high assist wing (among the top examples- B Roy, Ginobili or Grant Hill). Hobson could play some small ball PF.

Versatility is real good in a few situations especially off the bench and to keep a rotation tight (if you have the quality to make this make sense) but most guys would do well to fill one position well. One position filled well is usually better than 2 filled less well.

Lots of articles on the net about Tiago Splitter. His team just won the Spanish League title and he was the reg season MVP and Finals MVP. All reports on the internet say he is ready to come to the NBA, but he wants to be paid. The Spurs own his rights, but can only pay the MLE. Of all the scenarios we have heard, trading up, trading Green, who do we draft, sign David Lee, etc., if there is a way to trade for Splitter and sign him for 8-10 mil per year, I am in. Whether it takes picks or taking on Jefferson's contract, let's do it.

That should be our No. 1 scenario. I only know this guy from internet reports and databases, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

"The Thunder has not yet completed its roster for the event. Returning players James Harden, Serge Ibaka, Eric Maynor, Byron Mullens, Kyle Weaver and D.J. White are all expected to compete. DeVon Hardin, a second-round selection in 2008, and Robert Vaden, a second-round selection last year, also are expected to compete, as well as the Thunder's selections in next week's 2010 NBA Draft"

@VinceDisagree on 2 points. First, we have to have someone else that can hit a 3. What if Harden goes down to injury? Then the only 2 guys that can hit from distance would be Green and Durant. Not a good formulas. Our 3 point shooting has to improve. Second, we did not get a first round pick for Petro...we got a first round pick because we could eat Chucky Atkins salary. Denver did not want Petro per se, they wanted to not pay the luxury tax.

Two players not mentioned in the board that I'm interested in are Darington Hobson and Greivis Vasquez. I believe both are versatile enough to play 1, 2, & 3. Both can score. Hobson is solid rebounder. Vasquez has great court vision.

Celtics were strong on 3 defensive factors but could only manage 2 8th place rankings on offense in the playoffs. That was not enough.

On offense I am going to put more emphasis on guys who are consistent, who don't suck shooting under pressure. Strong shooting is very very helpful but I'll take a lot of near average shooting if it is consistent and doesn't disappear in the clutch.

Lakers in the playoffs were dominate on two things- offensive rebounding and shot defense. They were above average on own eFG% and turnovers. They were actually below average for playoff teams at the other 4 factors.

Dexter Pittman reminds me of Big Snacks Jerome James. Jerome was highly skilled but constantly fighting weight problems. He got it under control in his contract year and ripped it up in the playoffs and never got back into shape. When he was motivated and in shape he had great agility for his size and a nice touch around the bucket.

If Pittman can shed weight off and regain some stamina he'll be a nice prospect. It's a lot easier to put off the first big chunk of weight it's going to be much harder to lose what he's got and get to ~15% BF which is probably where he needs to be if he's going to have a successful NBA career. He's worth a second rounder but it's going to be a big uphill climb to get where he's gotta be.

@The DONI have to say I'm not sure how people can really ask about someone who has already lost something like 80 lbs being committed. Idk if other people have ever really tried sticking with a workout or been around people on a serious diet like that, but it takes some very big commitment. He has even said he still has a ways to go to get to his own personal weight goal, which to me is different than someone like Cousins who just kind of goes back and forth with weight.

Yeah Pittman is someone I am intrigued by in the 2nd round. If we get him and our staff works his ass for a year or two we might just have something special on our hands. It also depends on how committed he wold be, but the potential to be a real good center is there

Congrats to the Lakers, and as Thunder fans you should take comfort in knowing that you were so close to the Champs. Whether or not you like the Lakers respect must be shown. To be the best you've got to beat the best.

I would love for us to get Orton, Pleiss, Pittman, and Sheyer. Those would be my picks for the draft. We get three bigs and a shooter. With those three and mMllens at least one would pan out and it would be worth it. Sheyer could be a player similar to riddick. He may not be as good of shooter but he does all the little things right. I would be perfectly happy with those picks. Then next year we can aim to get Moetjounis or however you say his name. LOL jk on that..

"Scouts of professionell US-Teams watched the German for quite a long time."Oklahoma and San Antonio want him", knows Heyder [Manager of his Team Bamberg]. [...]Against his plans Pleiss decided to stay in the Draft-List. Draft night is 24th of June in New York and at least OKlahoma is supposed to take himin the first round which gave him a guaranteed two-year contract with 1,2 Mio $ a year."

This makes pretty much sense to me. I'm sure he'd be a sure frist rounder next year after playing the world championships and Euroleague with new German Champion Bamberg.

I've seen lots of games this year and Pleiss is offensive raw...I mean really raw. Even at German level. But his defense is pretty good. He's maybe the best defender in this league at center spot. Honestly I might add that the offense level in Germany is extremly low.Watch at him at world championships. He should play backup of Chris Kaman.

@Cpt. C-NoteThe scary part is how close the Rockets were without him, who is arguably one of the best Centers in the league when healthy. Adding him to that team and with their draft pick and that's a pretty solid team.

Aren't 21-26-32 better equipped to fill general bench depth than to patch the holes left by Krstic and Collison if we choose not to resign them?

I don't expect instant offense from Crawford or anyone we get that late in the draft. I don't expect instant anything. They're all projects and we'll be lucky if any of them see time on the court.

Unless we're unlucky, like justin said. We had very few injuries last season and didn't have to spend much time away from our 9-man rotation. That's not normal. I think shoring up general depth is about the best we can do.

If you disagree w/ that (which is fine), it's probably a better idea to make some aggressive moves and package the picks and make a trade for a player or a better pick, right?

I agree, though, that there should be a shift in philosophy for the team now that they are a very good team attempting to become great.

While I agree with you, I am going to add this one slight caveat: There have been many a team that thought they were in this last phase of greatness. One to think about is NOR, only a few years removed from a conference championship, that off-season they made some moves to really try and compete and now they're locked into just being good. That's a team that has arguably the best PG in CP3, an all-star in David West, and then decent role players. So before we go saying we need to become great instantly, I think we have to remember the process is what got us there and if we're really going by Presti's Spurs experience, then the process will get us there. We just have to be patient, which isn't the same as being idle. We need both current improvement, but also future improvement as well.